Here's a closer look at the key CBP regulations governing the import of solar panels: Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) Classification: All solar panels must be correctly classified under the HTS to determine applicable tariffs and duties. Country of Origin Marking: The goods must be marked with their country of origin.
According to TARIC, customs duty for photosensitive semiconductor devices, including photovoltaic cells whether or not assembled in modules or made up into panels; light-emitting diodes, code 8541409000, is 0%. In the HTS tariff system, the duty for solar cells assembled into modules or made up into panels (code 8541.40.60.15) is also 0%.
Other “Domestic” Suppliers: A few manufacturers with U.S.-based production or assembly – such as Hanwha Qcells (Georgia factories), First Solar (Ohio), Mission Solar (Texas), and Silfab (Washington) – do not incur these import tariffs on their U.S.-made panels. They have an effective price advantage now.
Here's what you need to know for importing solar panels to generate energy. Importing solar panels has proven to be a lucrative source of income for savvy United States importers. However, the process of importing these goods can be complicated due to trade actions, tariffs, and bans on imports from certain regions.
The tariffs affect a range of clean energy imports including EVs, solar PV, battery energy storage, and inputs for these. This briefing focuses on the tariffs affecting battery energy storage. Policy changes affecting the solar portion of the Section 301 tariffs are addressed in a separate briefing.
On May 14, 2024, the Biden Administration announced changes to section 301 tariffs on Chinese products. For energy storage, Chinese lithium-ion batteries for non-EV applications from 7.5% to 25%, more than tripling the tariff rate. This increase goes into effect in 2026. There is also a general 3.4% tariff applied lithium-ion battery imports.
Lithium-ion battery modules, packs, and container blocks are generally categorized under the import code 8507.6020 if they are used for non-EV applications. As such, we believe that this is the code that this tariff change will apply to.
Industry data shows that importers of lithium battery systems now face increased customs scrutiny, with classification codes determining exact rates. Many battery packs assembled in the U.S. still rely on imported cathodes, anodes, and electrolytes in the electric vehicle sector.
Download detailed product specifications, case studies, and technical data for our off-grid PV containers and mobile energy storage solutions.
15 Innovation Drive
Johannesburg 2196, South Africa
+27 87 702 3126
Monday - Friday: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM SAST